Pouring one out today for Twisted Sister drummer AJ Pero, who has reportedly died at the age of 55. No cause of death has been reported.
The band confirmed the new by releasing the following statement on Facebook moments ago:
The members of Twisted Sister are profoundly saddened to announce the untimely passing of our brother, AJ Pero
The band, crew and most importantly the family of AJ Pero thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time.
Pero was also once a member of metal supergroup Adrenaline Mob, and had just joined a band called Four by Fate, with Tod Howarth and John Regan from Frehley’s Comet. Here’s some more background from Blabbermouth:
Pero joined TWISTED SISTER in 1982, after he left CITIES, a local New York City band. Upon his departure from TWISTED SISTER in 1986, he rejoined CITIES. He participated in the band’s 1997 reunion and continued to perform with TWISTED SISTER until his death. Pero was also a member of the OZZY OSBOURNE cover band NO MORE TEARS which is well known around Staten Island, New York.
While continuing to tour and record, A.J. has been hosting drum clinics with Tama drums, holding classes and seminars, and completing an instructional DVD. A.J. was also said to be in the beginning stages of writing a book on his life’s journeys and lessons.
A.J. studied with maestro Larry Laurenzano, whom he considered not only a great teacher and mentor, but “a great friend who had more confidence in me, than I did in myself”; Mike Sqroi, “a great drummer who started me and taught me well”; and Nino Morreale who “made me realize who and what I was as a musician/drummer.” And, of course, “my Dad who in his own right was a great sax player who never pursued it, but saw in me his dream.”
Twisted Sister is scheduled to play Metal Meltdown in Las Vegas on May 30 with Extreme, Skid Row, and another band. No word on a cancellation.
